Building Re-Tuning Conference Helps PA Businesses Save Money on Operating Costs

[The conference] covers a lot of good information and topics that our communities should be advised about.

Albert C. Pater, Riverview School District

The Need

Over time, wear and tear, improper operation, lack of maintenance, and changes in use can lead to energy inefficiencies and increased operating costs in facilities, including school and municipal buildings. Facility managers and building operators need the tools, training, and networking to keep up with current best practices on Building Re-Tuning (BRT), a low-cost approach to recommissioning a building to restore or exceed its original performance.  

The PennTAP Connection

PennTAP’s Energy and Environment Team offers training and education to help those involved with building operations learn how to run facilities more efficiently and reduce operating costs. As a result of a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) State Energy Program and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), PennTAP was able to offer a one-day workshop that provided technical hands-on BRT training.  

Outcomes and Benefits

PennTAP hosted a Building Re-Tuning and Operations Conference (BRTOC) on March 3, 2020 for managers and employees from throughout Pennsylvania who oversee the success of school and municipality building performance. Over 75 attendees learned about low and no-cost opportunities to enhance their building performance and optimize energy efficiency.   

Morning sessions covered everything from data collection, funding opportunities and walkthrough protocols, to HVAC systems, solar technology, and indoor air quality. After lunch, there was a roundtable of trained building operators who had successfully implemented BRT practices and discussed the positive outcomes. 

PennTAP advisors then led a site walkthrough at Rec Hall, an older building at Penn State going through its own re-tuning process, and highlighted occupancy, lighting, and technical challenges in real-life scenarios. Conference attendees got hands-on experience using tools of the trade and got their BRT questions answered by knowledgeable experts. The conference curriculum was approved for BOSC maintenance points and Penn State University continued education credits. Building operators were empowered with the knowledge of tools, resources, and connections to identify, implement, and track energy conservation projects at their own facilities throughout the state. 

For more information, check out the conference agenda featuring over a dozen speakers.  

Contact

PennTAP – University Park
The Pennsylvania State University
200 Technology Center Building, Suite 117G
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-0427
Email: penntap@psu.edu